Tascam 388 out to computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter MagnumPI
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MagnumPI

MagnumPI

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Hi,
I hope I don't sound too far behind the curve, but should I get balanced or unbalanced RCA to 1/4 cables to go out of my Tascam 388 into a Pro tools 002 rack?
I'm thinking about investing in a Mogami snake. It's gotta be better than a Hosa, right?
Any thoughts?:guitar:
 
RCA only has two connectors so it cannot be balanced. If the 388 has balanced 1/4" or XLR out, it might be better to go with that if your ADC does support a balanced input. Otherwise you may as well stick with unbalanced and use the RCA.
 
Are you talking about the stereo outs or the buss outs? Just not sure if you are transferring a stereo mix to the DAW or individual tracks direct off the tape or pgm buss outs.

My general rule if thumb here is to use the unbalanced outs unless you *need* to use balanced outs.

Why?

"Balancing" the audio doesn't make it sound "better" unless there is a noise problem that is fixed by routing through a balanced path. That's all balancing the audio does. So if you don't have a problem with unwanted noise in your signal path to the DAW, and if the cable run is short (short as possible but generally fine up to 20-25 feet) and you are using quality shielded unbalanced cabling, then stay with unbalanced. If balancing isn't necessary for noise abatement, you are sending your audio through an unnecessary circuit path with the balancing amp. Would you be able to hear the difference? Probably not. But I know with other Tascam gear I have owned that features balanced and unbalanced outs on a given buss, the unbalanced outs typically have better HF specs...plus inherent added noise and distortion will come along with the balanced path.

Splitting hairs? Yah...probably. But at least you can split hairs fully informed. :)
 
Hosa isn't that bad. I have never had one of their cables S the bed on me yet. That being said, I bought the 1/4" to RCA snake to patch the individual tape outs to my audio interface for when I want direct audio. I could re-patch (this is where the patchbay that I never set up yet would come in handy..) into the PGM outs so I can get an affected mix into the computer (with EG, effects etc). Or, I can just send a stereo mix from the stereo outs into the first two channels of my interface. I like the stereo outs the most because it forces you to stick with your analog mix and not be tempted to mess around with it to the umpteenth degree once it's in the computer... but that's just me.
 
I'll be transferring individual tracks direct off the tape or pgm buss outs.
Going into the 002 rack.
Anyone know what cable to use and if I might run into input problems with the 002?
:guitar:
 
002 rack has 1/4" TS or TRS inputs right?

Should be no interface problems as far as nominal level (388 is -10dBv standard, I believe the 002 has trim controls to accommodate -10dBv to +4dBu), so you just need RCA to 1/4" TS cables or a snake. Keep it as short as reasonably possible without limiting yourself to placement.
 
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